Pipe wrench



May '25, 1937.

' N. RECTOR.

PIPE BENCH Original Filed Aug. 7, 1935 Invenlor Attorney Patented May 25, 1937 PIPE WRENCH 7 Nelson Rector, Clintonville, Wis.

Application August '7,

1935, Serial No. 35,189

Renewed April v2.2, 1936 3 Claims.

The present invention relates to new and useful improvementsin pipe wrenches of the flexible strap type and has for one of its important objects to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set 5 forth, a tool of this character comprising a novel construction of strap whereby a firm grip may be secured on the work without marring or otherwise damaging the surface thereof.

Another very important object of the invention is to provide a pipe wrench of the aforementioned character embodying novel means for securing the flexible strap in adjusted position.

Other objects of the invention are toprovide a pipe wrench of the character described which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, highly efiicient and reliable in use, compact, light in weight and which may be manufactured at low cost.

All of the foregoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a pipe wrench constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the tool applied to a pipe, a portion of the handle being broken away in section.

Figure 2 is a View in top plan of a portion of the invention, showing the same applied to a pipe.

Figure 3 is a detail view in cross section through the strap.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a handle I of any suitable material having formed in the top thereof, at longitudinally spaced points, a plurality of inclined sockets 2. The handle I preferably decreases in size progressively toward its outer end, as illustrated to advantage in Figure 1 of the drawing. It will also be noted that the 5 outer end 3 of the handle I is substantially rounded.

'The reference numeral 4 designates generally a substantially flat, flexible strap which is permanently secured to the outer end portion of the handle I, as by a bolt or rivet 5. The flexible strap 4 comprises a fabric base 6 which encloses any desired number of reinforcing wires 7. The work engaging face of the strap 4 is provided with a layer of rubber 8 (see Figure 3).

Mounted on the free end of the flexible strap 4 is a pin 9 which is engageable selectively in the sockets 2 for securing the desired adjustment of said strap 4. The pin 9 depends from a transversely elongated eye In which is engaged in a loop II on the free end of the strap 4, said eye It being substantially of the shape shown to advantage in Figure 2 of the drawing. The reference numeral I2 designates a section of pipe with which the wrench is engaged in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing.

It is thought that the manner of using the device will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. The flexible strap 4 is looped around the pipe l2 and the pin 9 is engaged in the desired socket 2, according to the diameter of the pipe. Then, by swinging the handle I downwardly, as viewed in Figure 1 of the drawing, an exceedingly tight frictional grip is secured on the pipe. Of course, the rubber facing 8 of the flexible strap 4 prevents damaging the pipe.

It is believed that the many advantages of a pipe wrench constructed in accordance with the present invention will be readily understood, and although a preferred embodiment of the tool is as illustrated and described, it is to be under stood that changes in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to which will fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:-

1. A pipe wrench comprising an elongated handle having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, inclined sockets therein, a flexible strap permanently secured, at one end, to one end portion of said handle, a loop on the free end of the strap, an eye swingably mounted in the loop, and a pin projecting substantially at right angles from said eye and engageable selectively in the sockets for adjustably securing said free end of the strap to the handle.

2. A wrench including a handle having a plurality of longitudinally spaced sockets therein, a flexible strap permanently secured to' the for- Ward end portion of the handle, and a pin carried at the free end of the said strap and engageable selectively in the handle sockets for adjustably anchoring the free end of the strap to the handle.

3. A pipe wrench comprising an elongated handle having a plurality of longitudinallyspaced, inclined sockets therein, the inner ends.

of said sockets being nearer than the outer ends thereof to the forward end of the handle, a flexible strap secured at one end to the forward end portion of the handle, and a pin carried by the free portion of the strap and adapted to be disposed in one of said sockets.

NELSON RECTOR. 

